The Western Film Festival

04/01/2026

After a great deal of thought, I have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel this year’s The Western Film Festival.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to put on the kind of event that filmmakers and supporters have come to expect from us. All submission refunds will be handled directly through FilmFreeway.

This decision was not made lightly. Anyone who knows me knows how much this festival means to me. It truly hurts to have to make this call. Over the past five years, we have worked hard to build something special—not just an event, but a place where filmmakers from all over the world could come together, be seen, and be respected.
And that’s exactly why this decision had to be made.

I would rather cancel this year than move forward with something that does not live up to the standard and reputation we’ve built together. The Western has always stood for respect—respect for filmmakers, for the work, and for the experience—and I refuse to compromise that.

Although this was announced as the final year for the festival in Coleman, I want to be clear: we are not going out like this.

We are taking this time to regroup, refocus, and come back next year—bigger and better than ever. With a few surprises up our sleeves.

To every filmmaker who submitted, and to everyone who has supported us along the way, I sincerely hope you understand this decision and how difficult it was to make. Your support has meant everything, and it is the reason this festival will continue.

This is not the end. It’s just the start of the next chapter.

John Langley
Founder of The Western Film Festival

02/04/2026

CONCHO VALLEY LIVE- Jeff Gore is a Cowboy Singer/Songwriter from Coleman County. He is performing on many stages over the next few months. He will be performing at the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathe…

01/19/2026

Ladies and gentlemen,

For five years, I have had the privilege of creating and nurturing something I am immensely proud of. This festival is like my child, embraced and cherished by so many. Each year, it has grown, and I am filled with pride at what we have achieved together.

However, after much reflection, I have decided that this year will be the final year of the Western Film Festival in Coleman, Texas. There are countless individuals to thank for our success, some of whom are no longer with us. Yet, this is not about what we have lost or what we are leaving behind. This year will be a celebration, a chance to go out with a bang.

This year, we will not only host the film festival at Jackalope’s golf and games on April 18, but we will also enjoy a personal concert with Jeff Gore at the Coleman Museum on April 17, followed by a special meet and greet at Watson Winery and Brewery. The next day, alongside the film festival, a forum hosted by “The Movie Man” J. William Boothman will take place at the Coleman Museum, an open mic event at Watson Winery and Brewery, the grand opening of the District 1876 Park, and many other events downtown, culminating in our award show and after-party at Watson Winery and Brewery. Please join us in celebrating one last time.

I am uncertain about what the future holds, but I can say that these past five years have been a rollercoaster, and I am deeply grateful. Whether we cross paths again in the future or in a different place, I want to express my heartfelt thanks. Thank you to Coleman, to the filmmakers, to the businesses, and to everyone who has supported not only The Western but also me. Until next time.

Thank you,
John M. Langley

01/16/2026

We’re feeling great about the 5th Annual The Western Film Festival so we want to pass the same feeling to you with 25% off entry fees! Submit your films, documentaries, and music videos today! All genres are welcomed!!

01/14/2026

This year during The Western, an Open Mic Jam will take place at Watson Vineyard and Brewery! This is a free event, but space and time are limited, so if you would like to participate, please reach out to us! Bring your instruments and vocals and let’s have some fun!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from The Western Film Festival! Don’t forget submissions are open so submit your film projects today!

12/25/2025

From everyone at The Western we’d like to take this moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Don’t forget to submit your films for consideration and maybe we’ll see you in April! Merry Christmas to all!!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from The Western Film Festival! Drop a comment and tell us what you’re thankful for! We’ll go first, we’re thankful for all the support we’ve received the last five years!

11/11/2025

Thank you to all the veterans who have served our great country! We salute you! As our way of saying thank you we are going to offer 15% off entry fees for one week with the discount code SALUTE15!

11/09/2025

Big Announcement coming soon! Until then make sure you submit your films and plan to attend April 16-18, 2026 for the 5th annual The Western Film Festival!

07/04/2025